Wing was born in Conway, Massachusetts, and in early youth moved with his parents to Marietta, Ohio.

He attended common schools and the academy at Chillicothe and Ohio University.

Wing joined the Whig Party after its formation and became a member of the Michigan House of Representatives in 1842.

He served as a member of the board of regents of the University of Michigan from 1845 until 1849.

He was appointed as United States Marshal for the district of Michigan on February 24, 1846, and served until 1849.